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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker questions who else would take responsibility for shaping the future if scientists do not.
In plain terms
If we do not take control of creation, no one else will.
What can you take from it?
Those with the power to shape the future must take responsibility.

Where it applies

  • scientific research
  • policy making
  • technological ethics

Putting it to work

  • leading innovation responsibly
  • setting research agendas
  • advocating for regulation

Questions to consider

  • Who should decide the limits of human advancement?
  • Is it safer to leave creation to chance?

Another view

Playing god can lead to unintended consequences that no single group can manage.

More from James D. Watson

  1. 'No one may have the guts to say this, but if we could make better human beings by knowing how to add genes, why shouldn't we?'

    Permalink to quote #2

  2. 'There is only one science, physics: everything else is social work.'

    Permalink to quote #3

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